NCWO endorses Sonia Sotomayor for U.S. Supreme Court

National Council of Women’s Organizations endorses
Sonia Sotomayor for U.S. Supreme Court

Susan Scanlan, chair of the 12-million member National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO), today issued a strong endorsement of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the U.S. Supreme Court.

“We have examined Judge Sotomayor’s record, reviewed her unparalleled qualifications, marveled at her compelling personal story, and watched her impressive performance before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She offers more experience on the federal bench than any nominee in the past century. There can be no doubt that President Obama–like Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton before him-- has chosen wisely and well in nominating her to the highest court in the land.”

Urging the Senate to swiftly approve this daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants, Scanlan noted that Sotomayor’s life represents the classic American dream: through hard work, sacrifice, diligence, determination—and despite overwhelming odds—a woman can reach the top rung of the ladder.

“What could be of greater significance to American women than confirming this superb jurist?” Scanlan asked. “In 220 years and out of 110 Supreme Court justices, only two have been women. None have been Hispanic. It’s time to balance the judicial branch, time Americans saw justice delivered by someone whose gender and cultural background comes closer to reflecting the majority.”

The more than 240 progressive women’s organizations that comprise NCWO
work together to address a variety of issues, including workplace and economic equity, education and job training, affirmative action, Social Security, child care, political participation, health, reproductive freedom, and global progress for women’s equality.